The defeat left the hosts in fourth place, and they face Bec II again in their final match on Sunday – where the pacesetters can secure the title.

However, as the best-placed first team in the division – as opposed to a reserve side or third string - Highbury are already guaranteed a place in the end-of-season Champions Trophy in April, and a shot at promotion to the top tier of the top tier, the England Korfball League.

Highbury found themselves 1-0 down in the first minute of the match and, although Tiago Almeida equalised shortly afterwards, Bec scored twice more to take an early 3-1 lead.

The home side clawed themselves level through Niccola Hyslop and a second long-range effort of the match from Almeida. But that was as good as it got for the Reds, who conceded eight times in the run-up to half-time while mustering three goals themselves to go into the break 11-5 down.

Bec were sharper and their higher-level experience was showing - but despite the scoreline, Highbury were showing plenty of fight.

Moses Hutchinson-Pascal got the second half off to a better start for Highbury from range. However, four unanswered goals from Bec took into a match-winning position, with no way back for the home side.

Highbury wanted to show they could play against quality opposition, and they shortened the deficit with three goals from Martin Petrie, Hutchinson-Pascal and Almeida, who registered for the fourth time. But Bec came back with another flurry of goals to take the score to 21-9.

The final exchanges were played out at a high, frantic tempo, and Highbury made it into double figures with goals from Morven Masterton, Rachel Dixon and Petrie, while Bec added three goals to their own tally before the end.

Head coach Peter Breen says Hampstead have been driven on to improve by Belsize Park’s progress, and he believes a new local rivalry will help to get the best out of his side as the two clubs prepare to meet in Saturday’s derby clash.

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